The High Water Mark

I would usually give this place five stars but my past experience here was terrible. I ordered two vegan bbq sandwiches and the cook came back with two banh mis. I told them I ordered two vegan bbq sandwiches and they apologized and remade the order, no biggie. But then, they said I could have the two (vegan — i thought) banh mis anyway. Went home, bit into flesh. Not cool. So essentially I could have ended up buying and eating meat, even though I clearly and loudly said vegan. Like I said, I usually love them, but a mistake like that is not really acceptable, hopefully they can review their ordering/​communicating/​cooking process and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

This is a true dive bar. They played great music the entire time we were there. The bartender was friendly and very helpful. The drinks were decently priced and even better during happy hour as expected. I had the Clux pale ale. It was a little on the hoppie side but very tasty. The wife had the IPA which was actually less hoppie than mine. I noticed that they have Rainier on tap for $ 2, learning to appreciate that like finding PBR on tap in Vegas.
For happy hour there’s $ 1 off like most of their appetizers too. The nachos were amazing especially for such a dive bar and the serving size was quite generous for $ 6. I’d definitely try some of the other eats they offer.
There’s a pool table, 3 pinball machines (one was out of service) & a Buck Hunter shooting arcade game. There was a sign that said the pool table is free. not sure if that’s all the time but would be cool if it were. There’s a tv at the bar with dish or direct or maybe Comcast. There’s even a stage in the back game room where live music performs. Would love to catch a show here. There’s a little bit of parking around so it’s not too bad.

Low-​key dark rocker-​vibe bar. It’s my local up here in the hinterlands, and I’m glad it’s here.
Good staff
6 or so drafts and same for bottles/​cans
Open late
Side room for live music (gets crowded, I try to avoid it then)
Surprisingly decent food– small menu that includes lots of vegan options. The vegan BBQ sandwich is great, as is the vegan philly cheesesteak (although vegan cheese still kinda freaks me out)
And best of all…
Killer covered and heater smokers’ patio out back. And behind that is a fire pit!
Nice little place.

This place is great. Cheap beer, pinball, awesome patio and great music. The owner smokes his own meat for the sandwiches and the food is decently priced.
I am happy to live next to a bar with an old school Portland vibe, at a time when everything I love about this city is quickly fading away.

High Water Mark is pretty awesome, nice big spot, well stocked bar, and a menu that ranges from burgers to vegan. The space is two rooms, one with the bar and some tables, the other larger room has a stage and a pingpong table and pool table for when shows aren’t going on. There a picnic tables out front for sitting outside, and a covered, heated patio out back for the smokers. There are a few pinball machines and games as well.
This place is what Portland needs right now, not more of that Salt and Straw Little Big burger generic polished crap that is springing up everywhere. High Water Mark is a place where real people go to hang out and have a good time. Staff was friendly and on it. I so will be back here.

Place is garbage. Girlfriend asked
For a greyhound and it was pink lemonade mix with vodka. Asked for something else and the refused to exchange the drink or refund.

good casual bar, cheap drinks, delicious BBQ meats, ping pong, back patio, live music some nights

Came here with some family last weekend. Enjoyed some delicious Rainier on tap. Played some Big Buck Hunter and sat in their back patio area. Prices for drinks is super cheap which I love. Will definitely come back.

This is a great place. I pretty much only went here to thank the people who helped my son the previous night after he was in an accident. But we decided to order some food and wow! They smoke their own meat and I think it was one of the most perfect sandwiches I have ever eaten. I will definitely be back and can’t wait to try their pulled pork and Philly cheese steak sandwiches. Please go there and enjoy the food!

Lovely lounge and much needed addition to an otherwise pretty sparse neighborhood w/​r/​t bars. Lighting, tunes, and general atmosphere at 7pm on Friday night lends itself to a low key, mellow vibe. spacious with option of cozy, loungey seating or tables/​chair seating. pricing is more than reasonable, ie. $ 2 olympia/​pbr, $ 4 imports. there’s a ping pong table, pool table, several pinball machines AND Big Buck Hunter! thrilled!

Don’t judge a bar by the outside. From the outside you cant tell how huge and clean this establishment is. This is a top notch local bar. The staff is super friendly and on point (a Kelly requirement to become a regular). They have a small rotating draft list and decent bottle selection including ciders. The food menu is small (mostly sandwiches) but includes vegan options ! I had a lentil salad and got my boyfriend a Cajun chicken sandwich to go. We both enjoyed our food and plan on eating there In the future.
They décor Is punk rock themed including a painting of Frankenstein’s monster. There are pinball machines and ping pong table in the back room. The back room also has a decent size stage which is occupied with bands some nights and a comedy show once a month.
If you live in the NE this should be one of your watering holes.

From the brains behind Alleyway on Alberta comes Woodlawn’s newest watering hole, The High Water Mark. As I’ve been saying for a while… Woodlawn’s the area to watch, folks. Give it 18 months. The cool people are moving in.
This is the old Alchemy Café spot, corner of MLK and Dekum. It’s a small space, cozy, with booze, food, and a pinball machine thrown in for good measure. Handful of outside tables on the Dekum side. They’ve only been open a couple of weeks, so a return visit a must to try some food and probably bump up those stars! Definitely dug the laid-​back, under-​the-​radar vibe; super friendly bartender.
Keep an eye on it.